Western Disturbance Set to Bring Fresh Snowfall in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Cold conditions have tightened their grip on Kashmir, with the valley bracing for fresh spells of snowfall as two back-to-back western disturbances are likely to affect the region starting Wednesday, officials said.According to the Meteorological Department, a feeble western disturbance is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from January 1-2, with light snow at scattered places from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning.From January 3-6, a moderate western disturbance is expected to bring light to moderate snow to most places in the state, with peak activity from January 4-6. The MeT Office added that there is a possibility of heavy snow at a few places in the higher reaches during the second spell.Meanwhile, the night temperature dropped at most places in Kashmir as cold conditions tightened their grip on the valley.Gulmarg, a tourist resort town known for skiing activities in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius, up from the previous night’s minus 11.5 degrees Celsius, the Met Department said. Gulmarg was the was the coldest recorded place in the valley.